Forty-five miles northwest of Chicago in
Lake County, Volo Bog is the only quaking bog in Illinois.
The bog is a registered National Natural Landmark and a dedicated nature
preserve. Picnicking, hiking, and cross country skiing are offered at
the site. There is an abundance of unique plants and wildlife that can
be seen in Volo Bog.

Volo Bog State Natural Area is home to Illinois'
only remaining open-water quaking bog. A gift of the Wisconsin Glacier,
Volo Bog began forming in a kettle hole lake over 6,000 years ago. A floating
mat of vegetation encroached from the lake edges toward the center. The
initial plant community included sphagnum mosses and sedges. As these
plants died, they did not decompose but formed a floating substrate of
peat from which more plants grew. As the mat thickened, it supported larger
plants such as cranberry, leatherleaf and poison sumac. Deciduous tamarack
pines gained a foothold as the mat thickened to support their increasing
weight. Highbush blueberry, the carnivorous pitcher plant and several
orchids also make their home in Volo Bog. Today, five plant communities
encircle a half-acre pond like a target. The pond has no true bottom;
suspended peat thickens toward the bottom of the old kettle hole 50+ feet
below. A 1/2 mile trail including a wooden boardwalk loops through all
the stages of bog succession to overlook the center pond.

Volo Bog was designated an Illinois Nature
Preserve in 1970 and a National Natural Landmark in 1973. It is an excellent
outdoor laboratory and classroom. Interpretive programs are available
to most ages (beginning at 4 years old) throughout the year.

INTERPRETER INFORMATION

Stacy Iwanicki

For the General
Public:

Guided public tours of Volo Bog are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays
at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for individuals, families and small groups.
Groups of ten or more are asked to make arrangements for a private group
tour. The one-hour bog tour follows a half-mile boardwalk through all
the stages of classic bog succession as an old glacial lake gives way
to sphagnum moss, orchids, poison sumac and tamarack trees. Frogs and
tadpoles entertain most every visitor spring through fall. Muskrats and
mink delight the more careful observers. Even winter is a wonder at Volo
Bog with bright red berries on winterberry and an abundance of animal
tracks on freshly fallen snow. Occasional winters have hosted rare visitors
from the north including saw-whet owls and crossbills. Pets not
allowed on the Boardwalk.

In addition to the public bog tours, a broad
spectrum of special events, tours, lectures and workshops are also held
throughout the year.

Events:
Winterfest - 2nd Sunday in January
International Migratory Bird Day - Sunday in late April/Early May
International Bog Day - 4th Sunday in July
Ghost Stories - 2nd Saturday in October

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking for dedicated
adults for a variety of volunteer projects (outlined below) at Volo Bog
State Natural Area and Moraine Hills State Park. For further information, or to register for a workshop, please contact
Naturalist Stacy Iwanicki at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov.

Crafty Bog Committee at Volo Bog
Volo Bog State Natural Area is re-vamping its CBC! Members of this committee
will develop craft ideas made with natural and used materials, and
will enjoy teaching the projects to others at special events and craft
days.

Roving Naturalists at Moraine Hills
Roving Naturalists, as the name implies, will not sit in one place for
long! Dressed in “naturalist-wear,” they will reach out
to visitors along the trails to answer questions and share seasonal
observations such as frog & bird calls, flowers in bloom, animal
signs, etc... A wonderful example is when a volunteer bluebird monitor
discovered the emergence of garter snakes and stopped passers-by to
share in the wonder.

Docents at Moraine Hills
Docents are friendly adults who greet people on weekends at Moraine Hills’ Nature
Center. They assist with directions and share insights to enhance the
visitors’ park experience. For example, docents will encourage
folks to contribute to the site’s bird log, sign up for interpretive
programs or check out loaner binoculars. Docents will also encourage
visitors to watch for Roving Naturalists along their hike.

Bluebird Monitors at Volo
Bog & Moraine Hills
Bluebird Monitors check and maintain from 10 - 20 nest boxes once per
week from late March through early August. There are three openings
for bluebird monitors at Moraine Hills State Park. Additional monitoring
opportunities may be available at other trails throughout Lake and
McHenry Counties.

Prairie Gardeners at Volo
Bog & Natural Gardeners at Moraine Hills
Volunteer gardeners attend to the native prairie & woodland gardens
that grace the grounds at each site. Some gardeners have prior knowledge
but many are beginners who learn on-the-job. PGVs and NGVs are folks
who like to keep their own schedule and work mostly behind the scenes
but who are not afraid to promote the use of natives in the garden with
visitors who happen by. Prairie and Native Gardeners will have their spring organizational meeting at Volo Bog State Natural Area on Sunday, March 21 from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. To register, phone 815-344-1294.

Hummingbird Feeder Maintenance at Volo Bog
Volo Bog is going to hold a Hummingbird Festival at Volo Bog this summer!
Volunteers are needed to clean and re-fill up to ten hummingbird feeders
every-other day from late March - early November (possibly even later).
To accomplish this at least 3 volunteers will be needed to contribute
once per week - If more people are available, each can come in less
frequently.

Volo Bog State Natural Area is an Illinois Department of Natural Resources
site located in Ingleside on Brandenburg Road west off U.S. Highway
12 between State Highways 120 and 134.
Moraine Hills State Park and McHenry Dam are an Illinois Department of
Natural Resources complex located south of McHenry on River Road between
State Highways 120 and 176.

For further information on volunteer opportunities,
or to register for a workshop, please contact Naturalist Stacy Iwanicki
at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

Volo
Bog Offers Scholarships

The Friends of Volo
Bog is offering two scholarships for $1,000 each to outstanding students
interested in pursuing environmental careers. Applications can be found
at www.friendsofvolobog.org and are due by the fourth friday in February.

To be eligible for
the "Entering College" Scholarship the applicant must reside
in Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, or Will County, attend
a high school in one of these counties, have a minimum B average for
the first three years, and plan to attend an accredited college or
university. The applicant should be planning to enter a career directly
related to preserving the environment.

To be eligible for
the "Continuing College" Scholarship the applicant must be
currently enrolled in an accredited college or university, have a permanent
residence in Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, or Will County,
have graduated from a high school from one of these counties with a
minimum B average, and currently hold a minimum B average in their
college studies. The applicant should be on a course study leading
to a career directly related to preserving the environment.

The Friends of Volo
Bog is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated
to the preservation of the area’s natural heritage, maintenance
of site facilities, and advancement of educational programming at Volo
Bog State Natural Area.

Spring into Spring atVolo Bog SNA, Moraine Hills SP & McHenry Dam

Most programs are FREE - Donations are happily accepted by our Friends groups

Reservations are requested for most programs (and required for some) - Phone 815-344-1294 or email dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

Limited Drop-ins usually welcome but...program may be cancelled if minimum registration is not met 24 hours prior.

Would you be our Friend?
Our Friends provide support of educational programs, habitat restoration and other activities at your favorite nature sites!
Perhaps you'd like to join them? For membership and other information visitwww.FriendsofVoloBog.organd www.FriendsofMoraineHillsStatePark.org
Donations to these 501(c)(3) organizations may be tax deductible - consult a tax advisor

Guided Tours of Volo Bog
Most Saturdays & Sundays 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. LNCI!
All ages are welcome to our one-hour public tours for individuals, families and small groups of nine or fewer. No reservations are needed except... groups of 10 or more, please phone to arrange a private group tour. For more information, phone 815-344-1294 or visit Volo Bog State Natural Area at http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/VOLOBOG.HTM

Moraine Hills State Park Photo Contest Entries sought
Entry Deadline this Friday, June 7th . See Entry Form with all rules and details
Celebrate your love of nature and show off your ability to capture its essence! Submissions are being accepted for Moraine Hills State Park's 16th annual Nature Photo Contest. See entry form attached for all rules & details. Entries will be accepted in seven categories - Color Plant, Color Invertebrate, Color Vertebrate, Color Landscape, Black & White, Beyond Illinois, and People (& Pets) in the Park. See attached for complete rules and timeline. Submissions being accepted at Moraine Hills State Park office on Friday between 10 am - 3 pm.

Calling all Artists - Help us Celebrate the Beauty and Mystery of Bogs - in ArtArt submissions will be accepted Wednesday, June 5 through Thursday, June 27 for our July show. See Invitation/Entry Form
The goal of Bogs in Art is to encourage artists to learn about bogs around the world, and to capture their beauty and mystery in art. Bogs in Art is open to adults and interested youth age 11 and up. There is just ONE RULE - Work MUST represent and/or be inspired by... Bogs! "Any" medium goes! From paintings to ceramic, tapestry to jewlery, if you can tell us how it captures the essence of a bog, we want it for our show! See attached entry form for a definition of bogs, as well as other details for submission. Then tell your friends to come see the display and - if you choose - ask them to bid on your work. Bogs in Art doubles as a fund-raiser for Volo Bog through Friends of Volo Bog. A silent auction opens with the debut of the show and closes at 3:00 p.m. July 28 during Volo Bog's International Bog Day's celebration.

Volunteer Veterans' Conservation Corps meets at Volo Bog State Natural Area
Every other Saturday *** 9:30 am - 12:00 Noon
June 8, 22; July 6, 20; August 3, 17; September 14, 28
First-timers are encouraged to join! Ask for our Flyer
The Chimney Swift Project continues; the crew is currently working in the Volo Bog SNA garage behind the Visitor Center.
See the plans at http://www.chimneyswifts.org/ & http://www.chimneyswifts.org/Information%20Handout%202008.pdf
Up Next - Osprey Tower, Leopold Benches, Seed Sorters

Volunteer Veterans' Conservation Corp provides opportunities for veterans to continue serving their country by assisting with and developing projects to enhance our state parks and natural areas. The VVCC is a cooperative effort of the the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at VBSNA, MHSP & MD, Friends of Volo Bog and Friends of Moraine Hills State Park with additional support provided by the Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County. Natural Resources Coordinator Stacy Iwanicki, advisor to the VVCC, emphasizes how the corps is bringing veterans from different generations and conflicts together around a common cause - protection and enhancement of the natural environment in Illinois. For information on joining the Volunteer Veterans' Conservation Corps, contact Ms. Iwanicki at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

Book Discussions at Volo Bog State Natural Area
Second Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. See our Summer Flyer and ask for our cumulative list of over 200 titles
Of Bogs & Books is in its 20th year! The monthly gathering of adults (age 17 & older, generally...) shares discussions of nature, science & environmental readings over morning coffee & snacks. Over 200 titles have been discussed since establishment in 1994!

June 8 - Dakotah: Or Life and Legends of the Sioux Around Fort Snelling by Mary Eastman, 1849!

July 13 - The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson

August 10 - The Ocean of Life: The Fate of Man and the Sea by Callum Roberts

Free Family Fishing & Nature Discovery Day at McHenry Dam
Saturday, June 8 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of fishing at the north end of McHenry Dam. All equipment is provided by Friends of Moraine Hills State Park - poles, hooks, bait, etc... In addition to fishing, discover other river wildlife from dragonfly nymphs and giant water bugs to frogs, birds and maybe mammals as well. We'll have aquatic collecting kits for the macroinvertebrates, binoculars to look for birds and mammals, and a variety of scavenger hunts and other activities.

Appreciating Nature in Colored Pencil at Volo Bog State Natural Area
Sunday, June 9 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. + afternoon field sketching
Registration Required - Class-size limited Geared to Adults & Youth ages 11 and older
Explore your Creative Side – Appreciating Nature in Colored Pencil
If you can write your name, you can draw! Start a nature journal, explore the important connections between people and plants, and see the world with entirely new eyes! Learn how to express nature’s beauty in this half-day class with the option of field sketching instruction in the nature area in the afternoon. (Please bring a bag lunch and folding stool or sit-upon if you would like to stay for that portion.) Artist-grade supplies will be provided for you to take home and continue your artistic explorations of the natural world.
Bring:
Folding Stool or Sit-upon (or borrow ours), Bag Lunch, Jump/Flash Drive

All art materials generously provided through the Anne Ophelia Dowden grant from the American Society of Botanical Artists.
Kathleen Marie Garness has exhibited her watercolors at Kew Gardens London, the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Smithsonian, among other venues. She is currently Artist-in-Residence at the Oak Park Conservatory and has taught book arts at Morton Arboretum. She enjoys bringing her love of plants, especially native orchids, to new audiences. Images of her work may be found at:

Bird Walks at Volo Bog State Natural Area LNCI!
Saturdays & Sundays 8:00 a.m. Ask for our refrigerator flyer!
June 15, 29; July 14, 27; August 18
The birds are gearing up to feed their young - from bluebirds and tree swallows at their nest boxes to red-winged blackbirds and sandhill cranes in the marshes, the busy season is here. Also watch (& listen) for Virginia rail, sora, marsh wrens and swamp sparrows in the marshes and yellow warblers, common yellowthroats & veeries calling from the Volo Bog itself. The woods is alive with nuthatches, woodpeckers, pewees and others. Shrublands often reveal rufous-sided towhees, blue-gray gnatcatchers, and sometimes blue-winged warblers. Eastern kingbirds and meadowlarks can be found in the grasslands. Late spring is a great time for birding!

Bring binoculars and field guides or borrow from our leaders. Walk is just under three miles and takes from 1.5 - 3+ hours with weather and luck in birding. Adults and attentive kids ages 6 and older are welcome. Meet in the parking lot. Registration is requested at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov Walk-ins welcome but walk may be cancelled if minimum registration is not met 24 hours prior.

Bird Walks at McHenry Dam are on hold until further notice, due to needed trail repairs. "Dam Regulars" will find a warm welcome at Volo Bog SNA's Bird Walks. LNCI!

Habitat Restoration and Stewardship Team
at Volo Bog State Natural Area Brush Removal at VBSNA's North Bench Overlook
When? Wednesdays, June 19 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Where? Volo Bog State Natural Area - Meet in the Visitor Center
Who? Habitat Restoration & Stewardship Team; Leaders Neil Whitman and John Katzenmayer
Bring? Drinking water, comfortable work gloves Reply to register.
Enjoy fresh air as we tackle exotic invasive species and re-establish the natives. We pull, cut, plant and gather seeds, depending on the season. HWDs are a fun family project (adults & Kids 7 & up). Please dress for the weather and bring gloves (we’ll have a few to borrow too). Reservations requested at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. Walk-ins welcome but session may be cancelled if minimum registration is not met 24 hours prior. New HRST Volunteers, please arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork ;0)

Nature Photography Club Meets at Volo Bog State Natural Area
Third Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
June 19; July 17; August 21
Improve your Nature Photography! Learn camera skills as well as digital manipulation. Through guest speakers, programs and competitions, photographers will learn how to create impactful nature images. While membership is required to compete, non-members are always welcome to attend - no registration required. Memberships are available at the meetings. Visit www.shutterbugsofvolobog.org for more information.

Astronomy Nights at Volo Bog State Natural Area LNCI!
Third Fridays 8:30 p.m. - open
June 21; July 19; August - Members' Only Night This Month: Ken Daniel & Ken Weik presen "Radio Telescopes of the National Radio Astronomy Observatories"
After the indoor program, if the weather permits, members of the club will set up telescopes in the parking lot for some viewing of the night sky.
Lake County Astronomical Society meets at Volo Bog SNA on the third Friday of each month except December. A business meeting is held at 7:30 p.m. followed by an indoor presentation at 8:30 p.m. and - if skies are clear - viewing about 9:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to peer through members' scopes. The public is always welcome - no registration required. Visit www.LCAS-Astronomy.org for program details.

Astronomy Under The City Lights (AUTCL) or Lake County Astronomical Society Hits the Road
Utilizing powerful telescopes, amateur astronomers from Lake County Astronomical Society will share views of the Moon and planets from outside local libraries. This event is free and suitable for all ages. There will be special surprises for the young 'future astronomers' who attend. No advanced registration is required. These events are dependent on dry weather and clear skies. Visit www.lcas-astronomy.org for the next location near you! Questions? Contact the LCAS at contact@lcas-astronomy.org

Friends of Volo Bog Members’ Only Picnic and Annual Meeting followed by Chipmunk Woods Grand Opening
Sunday, June 23 * 12 Noon - 3:00 p.m.
All Food and Beverage is provided as a part of membership! Please bring your own reusable place setting & eating utensils. New members welcome at picnic – membership starts at $10.00.
See www.FriendsofVoloBog.org for membership application. Registration Required by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 19 at 815-344-1294 or at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

Chipmunk Woods invites kids to explore! A fun free-play nature area and outdoor classroom behind Volo Bog State Natural Area's Visitor Center, Chipmunk Woods is an oak woodlot that is on its way back!

Bordered loosely by a split rail fence, the area features whimsical discoveries hidden here and there among native plants planted each spring by area students through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Earth Day in the Parks program.

In Chipmunk Woods, children are invited to explore - to turn over logs and turn them back, build a fairy village or a fort out of nature's supplies, balance on a log, create their own games, test their strength, discover their own limitations and abilities, ask questions, make observations and share discoveries. Whether with a guided group on on thier own with friends and family, Chipmunk Woods is Nature's idea of a playground.

Chipmunk Woods is a joint effort of Volo Bog State Natural Area, Earth Day in the Parks, Friends of Volo Bog, the Bornhoeft Family of Green Oaks, Volo Bog SNA Volunteers, and Eagle Scout Sam Gibson of Woodstock, Illinois. Under Sam's coordination, 20 scout family volunteers installed nearly 1,000 feet of split rail in one day to define this amazing outdoor classroom! Please join us as we thank Sam Gibson and his scouts along, with the Bornhoeft family and Friends of Volo Bog, for making this amazing nature classroom a reality.

Chipmunk Woods will always be a work in progress. For more information about the Grand Opening or to learn how you can help CW grow, please contact Natural Resources Coordinator Stacy Iwanicki at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or 815-344-1294.

Bogs in Art! Celebrating the Beauty and Mystery of Bogs through Art
Show Dates: July 3rd - August 11th (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Bogs in Art is a fund raiser as well as an art show celebrating bogs. Please stop by and put a bid on one of the items in the silent auction. Bids close on Sunday, July 28 as we celebrate International Bog Day. Procedes support Volo Bog SNA through Friends of Volo Bog. Watch for more details as the date approaches.

Friends of Moraine Hills State Park Annual Picnic and Meeting
Saturday, July 13 12:00 Noon - 3:00 p.m.
A park needs all the Friends it can get! Established in 2007, the Friends of Moraine Hills are seeking new members and now is a good time to join - in time to attend the annual pot-luck picnic! The Friends supply all grillable meats & sodas. Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. After lunch, members mingle over games of baggo and other lawn games and an afternoon of fun.
For membership information visit www.FriendsofMoraineHillsStatePark.org Members are asked to RSVP for the picnic to FriendsofMoraineHills@gmail.com or through Volo Bog SNA at 815-344-1294.

The program is non-competitive, individualistic, interactive & supportive. Group size is small - limited to 17 guilders. Each session includes outdoor sketching & journaling, as well as indoor work. Sponsored by Friends of Volo Bog - $30.00 annual fee plus $10.00 monthly fee covers most supplies. Sponsor Reprographics Imaging and Art Supplies of Crystal Lake provides guild members with discounts on art materials - visit them at www.Reprographics.org/ For more information contact Stacy Iwanicki at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov or 815-344-1294.

International Bog Day at Volo Bog State Natural Area
Sunday, July 28 12:00 Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Artists' Reception and Silent Auction of Bog Art kick off our celebration. Live music, storytelling and poetry slam follow the auction. Bog tours throughout the afternoon.
Become a part of the action:

Submit art for the show by June 27

Sign up to take the stage by July 28 (as openings permit)

Place your bid on the artwork by 3 pm, July 28

Become a member of Friends of Volo Bog and stay for the anniversary celebration and dinner that evening

Calling all Grownup "Children of Volo Bog!"
Did you grow up with Volo Bog State Natural Area as a part of your childhood? If so, please share your story in 250 - 1,000 words. Please either type directly into an email body, or provide it in Word format, to Natural Resources Coordinator Stacy Iwanicki at dnr.volobog@illinois.gov. We'll collect all stories (18 years and older), and share some of them in future issues of The Bog Log.

Donations Sought
Simple things from around the house (and some a little more generous) go a long way!
Contact Volo Bog by reply or 815-344-1294 before delivering donations.
Friends of Volo Bog & Friends of Moraine Hills State Park are both 501(c)(3) organizations so donations may be tax deductible - consult a tax advisor!

Library Book Truck (a cart on wheels, with sloped shelves) - used OK - or fund a new one (about $300.00 with S&H)

Closed-cell foam camp pads - we cut them up to make sit-upons and only need two more! Quality Turkey Basters (not cheepos from the dollar shop)

Metal Bells of all types and sizes (go ahead, ask ;0)

Nature DVDs for our libraries

ON HOLD (We're good for now) White View Binders - any size; used OK, if in good shape

Thank you donors:
The Bornhoeft Family of Green Oaks - Our sponsor for Chipmunk Woods Split Rail Fence as well as a composting tumbler!
Karen Dietrich for sponsoring our Falconer for IMBD
Sam Gibson, Eagle Scout for the fence installation as his Eagle Scout Project

************************************Shop the Tamarack Shop
Friends of Volo Bog's "Small Business"/Not-for-Profit Nature Store!
Many Items Made in America; some by local artisans and craftspeople

We currently accept Cash and Checks only. Watch for credit card capability this summer.
All proceeds support programming, habitat restoration and other projects at Volo Bog State Natural Area.

************************************

Enjoy the great outdoors this Summer. Let Nature motivate YOUR Exercize!
- Hike almost 6 miles of natural grassy paths at Volo Bog State Natural Area including .4 miles into the heart of Volo Bog!
- Hike or bike 10 miles of trails at Moraine Hills State Park & McHenry Dam including a 2 mile loop at McHenry Dam 23 1/2 Hours... Here's another good reason to hike our trails (Not that enjoying Nature isn't enough ;0) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo

Would you be our Friend?
Our Friends provide support of educational programs, habitat restoration and other activities at your favorite nature sites!
Perhaps you'd like to join them?
For membership and other information visit www.FriendsofVoloBog.organd www.FriendsofMoraineHillsStatePark.org
Donations to these 501(c)(3) organizations may be tax deductible - consult a tax advisor

Volo Bog State Natural Area is an Illinois Department of Natural Resources site located in Ingleside on Brandenburg Road west off U.S. Highway 12 between State Highways 120 and 134. For program reservations, contact 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

Moraine Hills State Park and McHenry Dam are Illinois Department of Natural Resources sites located South of McHenry on River Road between State Highways 120 and 176. For reservations for programs at Moraine Hills, please contact Volo Bog at 815-344-1294 or dnr.volobog@illinois.gov For information on the park itself, please phone 815-385-1624.

PUBLIC BOOK DISCUSSIONS AT VOLO BOG STATE NATURAL AREA
"Of Bogs & Books"

Engaging Conversations since 1994!

Second Saturday of each month @ 10 AM

Volo Bog’s Visitor Center Library

Refreshments & Coffee

Participants are encouraged to have read at least part of the book (although this is not required).

No minimum requirement - come once a year or every month as time allows and/or the book entices.

FOR
SCHOOL AND OTHER YOUTH GROUPS

Volo
Bog offers 17 different programs ranging from Bog Life and Aqua Safari
to Animal Tracking and Tomorrows Leaders. There are numerous
programs offered at each grade level beginning at 2nd grade. Prekindergarten
through
1st graders are taken on a Small Wonders program which focuses on the
safe use of our senses as we explore the natural world.

NOTE:All programs are offered at Volo Bog State Natural Area. Programs indicated with an * are also offered at Moraine Hills State Park. Sorry, no indoor lunch facility at Moraine Hills State Park.

At
Volo Bog, we define "Youth Group" very casually. Any gathering
of ten or more people (minimum 8 children with two supervising adults)
qualifies.

SCHOOL GROUP SIZE:10 Students minimum;
60 Students maximum (will be broken into smaller
groups)

SCOUT AND OTHER YOUTH PROGRAMS are
offered on Saturdays. Generally one month notice is adequate but availability
varies seasonally. Youth group size: 10 people minimum; 40 people maximum
(split into two groups).

BOG LIFENote:
I/O = Indoor/Outdoor

2nd
- 12th grades

Year-round
(I/O)

1 ˝ -
2 hours

Learn how Volo
Bog was formed then explore this unique wetland for fascinating plants
and secretive animals. Scary
tales of bog bodies and boogie men are among the favorites. Add the famous
Visitor Center Hunt for the extra half-hour.

THE ECOLOGY OF VOLO
BOG

7
- 12th grades

May
- October (I/O)

4
hours

A program to really get into - this program
involves the students in their studies of Volo Bog through an in-depth,
interactive, interdisciplinary program. An activity guide leads students
through two class periods of required preparations before the visit and
gives suggestions for follow-up extensions.

AQUA SAFARI
*

2nd
- 12th grades

May
- September (I/O)

1
˝ - 2 hours

Explore the private lives of aquatic inhabitants.
Using such highly technical equipment as dish pans, kitchen strainers
and turkey basters, students gather aquatic invertebrates and study one
in detail. Older students discuss biodiversity and the use of aquatic
invertebrates as environmental health indicators.

A SHOVEL FULL OF
EARTH *

3rd
- 6th grades

May
- September (Outdoor)

1
˝ hours

Students get face to face with the secretive
inhabitants of the “underworld.” The formation and importance of soil
is discussed. Biodiversity is introduced through fun, comparative data
collection and analysis appropriate to elementary levels.

ANIMAL HOMES
*

2nd
- 5th grades

October
- April (I/O)

1
˝ hours

Everybody needs a HOME! Or do they?
Through interactive games and/or a scavenger hunt, children distinguish
homes from habitats. The characteristics and uses of habitats and homes
are discussed then we explore for real-life examples of each.

BIRDS

2nd
- 6th grades

October
- April (I/O)

1
˝ hours

What makes a bird a bird? First we’ll discover
what makes them different from other animals. Then we’ll take an up-close
comparative look at some examples. Finally, an outdoor excursion will
demonstrate how to look for birds and signs of their presence. “We’ll
GO BIRDING!”

MAMMALS
*

2nd
- 6th grades

December
- March (I/O)

1
˝ hours

What do all mammals including humans have
in common? How are they different from all other animals? What mammals
are native to Illinois? Discover this an more through hands on activities
and a scavenger hike.

BATTY ABOUT BATS

1st
- 6th grades

October
- March (Indoor)

1
˝ hours

“Bats are blind...Bats get caught in your
hair...All bats carry rabies...Bats will suck your blood...Bats are flying
mice...” NOT! A video or slide show dispels these myths then games
and crafts add to the fun of learning about these most misunderstood mammals.

INSECT SAFARI
*

2nd
- 6th grades

June
- September (Outdoor)

1
˝ hours

Discover more animals than can ever be
imagined in one small field! Learn what makes insects unique, some of
their survival techniques and how they fit into our lives.

ANIMAL TRACKING
*

3rd
- 12th grades

January
- February (I/O)

1
˝ hours

Learn how different animals walk and how
to decode the variety of signs they leave behind. Then explore the area
to discover the secrets of winter life revealed in the signs discovered.

SMALL WONDERS - A
SENSORY WALK *

PK
(min. age 4) - 1st. grade

Year
- Round (I/O)

45
minutes - 1 hour

A grab-bag-o-fun fro the very young! Through
a variety of activities and stories, children learn how to safely explore
nature with their “discovery tools.” Activities vary with the seasons,
needs of the group and adult:child ratios.

ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS
*

3rd
- 6th grades

October
- May (I/O)

1
˝ hours

Compare animals that are similar yet different
to explore how they are each uniquely equipped for survival in different
niches. Then, through activities such as the popular Bat & Moth
and Hawk and Rabbit games, the concepts are reinforced.

WEB-O-LIFE
*

3rd
- 6th grades

May
- September (I/O)

1
˝ hours

Web-O-Life introduces communities:
first our own human-dominated community, next a natural outdoor woodland
community and finally a pictorial wetland community. Through hands-on
exploration and personal involvement, students discover the interrelationships
and interdependency of all members in a community. Final discussion addresses
the most powerful community member of all.

TOMORROW’S LEADERS

7th
- 12th grades

Year
Around (Indoor)

2
hours

Students simulate a town meeting to make
some very important choices concerning the future of their environment.
This is a high-spirited program which stimulates discussion that often
follows the students back to school and home! Optional follow-up classroom
activity adds deeper dimension.

DIPPING INTO ASTRONOMY

4th - 6th grades

April - October (I/O)

1 1/2 hours

Learn the phases of the moon, how season work, the planets in our solar systme and why the sun and stars appear to ove across the sky. Finish with an introduction to fun constellations like Cassipoeia and the Big Dipper! All this and more is explored with members of the Lake County Astronomical Society through a fun, interactive approach!

ADULT
GROUPS

Garden clubs, college classes and other groups
of adults can take advantage of private group tours of Volo Bog as well
as bird walks, bog botany and tree classes, Bats in Your Belfry (which includes
a trip to Illinois largest known nursery colony of little brown bats),
and a nature awareness immersion program, Rediscovering the Wonder Within.

Volo Bog is a fascinating wetland ecosystem
of treacherous floating soils and bizarre plants. This guided, half-mile
tour along a floating boardwalk gives an up-close introduction to this
strange world. Tours differ with each season: its hard to say which is
best. Even winter offers a unique experience that is available at no other
time. The tour can include a half hour slide presentation providing a
glimpse of Volo Bog throughout the year. The slide portion alone is ideal
as an off-site program for group gatherings. **As an off-site program,
there is no maximum group size limit. A dark room with a projection- surface
is required.

BOG BOTANY

10
- 15 people

May
- October (I/O)

2
hours

Bog Botany is a fascinating study for garden
clubs and other groups with a special botanical interest. The program
addresses the unique adaptations of Volo Bog flora and includes a “hands-on”
field identification session.

POND LIFE

10
- 25 people

May
- October (I/O)

2
hours

A true “Rediscover Your Sense of Wonder”
program, Pond Life invites participants to lie on their bellies and reach
within the depths of a pond. The emphasis is on the aquatic invertebrates.
The function of these animals as water quality indicators is addressed.

TREE AND SHRUB IDENTIFICATION

10
- 25 people

Year Around (I/O)

2 hours

Common trees and shrubs of northeastern
Illinois woodlands will serve as examples in the development of tree identification
skills. The program begins with a hands-on introduction to dichotomous
keys. The field session introduces some of the most common species and
quick clues to their identification.

BIRD WALK

10
- 15 people

Year
(0)

1
- 4 hours

A bird walk is great for an early morning
start. The length of the walk is very flexible and can be tailored to
the group. The great diversity of Volo Bog State Natural Area’s habitats
provides for a good selection of species with over 170 species documented.

ANIMAL TRACKING

10
- 25 people

January
- February (I/O)

2
- 4 hours

Animal tracking is a great way to discover
mammals living in an area. This program teaches how to identify tracks
as well as numerous other signs or clues that mammals leave behind. It
includes both an indoor presentation and a practical field session.

BATS IN YOUR BELFRY

25
- 75 people

July
- August (I/O)

2 hours

Volo Bog State Natural Area is home to
the largest nursery colony of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus)
known on Illinois Department of Natural Resources property. This evening
program includes a slide presentation and a short field trip to watch
nearly 2,000 bats exit their nursery colony for a night’s feeding. Folks
with youngsters may wish to watch for our scheduled “Bats in Your Belfry”
general public programs. Although youth groups are not allowed to register
for public programs, families from the groups may register individually.

Volo
Bogs Visitor Center is housed in a turn-of-the-(19th) century dairy
barn. The old barn has undergone a series of renovations over the years.
It opened to the public as a Visitor Center in 1980 and has since undergone
various upgrades and improvements. In November 1996, construction began
on the most extensive upgrade yet; a complete renovation. The newly remodeled
state-of-the-art building keeps the old-barn charm but is completely accessible
(featuring an elevator up the silo) and has a classroom facility to accommodate
80 people. The Tamarack Shop, run by the Friends of Volo Bog, offers gifts
and a wonderful selection of nature and environment-related books. The
second floor of the Visitor Center is two stories tall and features interpretive
exhibits about Volo Bog and wetlands in general as well as a popular interactive
discovery center. The Leatherleaf Library houses a wonderful selection
of books, magazines, and clippings in a lateral file. Much of the material
in the library is donated by visitors, Volo Bog Volunteers and the Friends
of Volo Bog. Check-out privileges are extended to Volo Bog Volunteers,
and members of the Friends of Volo Bog and The Lake County Astronomical
Society.

The restored 1892 Antioch grade school accommodates the collection of
the Lakes Region Historical Society. Objects in changeable theme exhibits
pertain to local lore and history of the Chain of Lakes area.

McHenry County history illustrated through four large galleries in the
1870 expanded Union grade school. Exhibits contain artifacts which represent
home life, farming, industrialism, and the military. Also featured is
a restored 1847 log cabin, a 20th century tourist cabin, and an 1895 one-room
schoolhouse. The research library contains postcards, diaries, ledgers,
photographs, plat maps, abstracts, reference books, and biographical obituaries,
and cemetery files.

Hands-on exhibits that highlight the history of Lake County. Housed
on a former dairy farm in the Lakewood Forest Preserve, over 20,000 objects
are rotated on exhibit including horsedrawn vehicles; Native American
tools, art, and clothing; farm, household, and light industrial equipment
1840-1975. The Curt Teich Postcard Archives is a national collection of
over 350,000 postcard images and illustrates 20th century America. The
exhibit "America in a Postcard Mirror" located in the public gallery shows
a portion of this collection. The Regional History archives preserves
photographs, documents, diaries, ledgers, and maps relating to the history
of Lake County.

Restored 1840's Cook Farmhouse exhibits the history of Wauconda through
period room settings and interpretive displays. Interpreters tour visitors
through the house, demonstrate weaving and other crafts. Designated historical
site by Illinois State Historical Society.

TO BE VIEWED FROM THE OUTSIDE ONLY UNLESS IT IS A PUBLIC BUILDING OR SITE.

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES:

1. The Count's House
3803 Waukegan Rd.
McHenry

2. Memorial Hall
10308 Main Street
Richmond 1908

3. Lucien Boneparte Covell Hse
5805 Broadway
Richmond 1900

LANDMARK SITES WITH DESCRIPTIONS:

1. Muller Chapel (built 1878)
Wilmot & Ringwood Rd.
Johnsburg/McHenry

Widowed Mary Nett Miller built the chapel in 1878 in fulfillment of
a promise to the Blessed Mother if she could raise her family "in the
fear and love of God". Family services and weddings were held here. (This
was built on their farm.)

2. St. John's Church Site (built 1842)
2303 West Church
Johnsburg/McHenry

The site of where this present third church (of Gothic architecture)
was of importance to the first exclusively German Catholic Community of
Johnsburg who recreated their German roots here. The first structure was
a log cabin (1842), and subsequently 2 more structures were built on the
same site.

3. Richmond Mill Site (built 1844)
5604 Mill St.
Richmond

The mill, built in 1844, by Cotting and Purdy was 35 x 40', 2 ˝ stories
high. It was destroyed by fire in 1925. The plaque is on the site. It
was an example of early water-powered, grain and flour mill. It was one
of the earliest in the area. It is presently a restaurant.

4. Charles Cotting's #90 (built 1844)
Mill & Main St.
Richmond

When Cotting and his wife came to Richmond, which he helped lay out
and plat, there were but 2 log cabins in place. This building with stone
foundation was across from his mill and probably was a storeroom at one
time. This house is thought to be the oldest grame house in Richmond.

5. Charles Cotting House (built 1865)
East Mill St.
Richmond

Excellent example of a well-to-do merchant's frame home in the Italianate
style with an ornate trim including a square cupola. Built in 1865 and
was occupied by Cotting until he died in 1883 and in continue family ownership
for over 100 years.

6. Sarah Gibbs House (1886)
10313 West St.
Richmond

This unique home is one of few examples of Second Empire architecture
in the area with its mansard roof. It has 7 gables which is an innovative
variation of this style. Widow Sarah Gibbs had the house built at the
age of 71. Her husband, Herman, was a decendent of a Revolutionary War
general and was the town's inn-keeper. The stained glass windows across
the street in the church were dedicated to Sarah by her granddaughter.

7. Community Church of Richmond(built 1902)
5714 Broadway
Richmond

This turn-of-the-century church is the only original church in Richmond
still standing. Beautiful stained glass memorial windows highlight the
first settlers and important people of the Village.